During his first visit to Kyiv since becoming prime minister, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and unveiled a new $60 million air defence programme.
At a news conference with Zelenskyy in Kyiv, Sunak stated, “I am here today to declare that the UK will continue to stand with you… until Ukraine has won the peace and security it needs and deserves. Millions
The British prime minister said the defence package includes “120 aircraft guns, radar and anti-drone equipment”.
It comes as Russia has disabled nearly half of the country’s energy system, forcing blackouts across the country amid winter temperatures dipping to as low as zero degrees.
Russia has increasingly targeted Ukrainian energy infrastructure with long-range attacks since last month, including using what Kyiv says are Iranian-made drones, for which Ukraine has sought air defences from the West.
“It is deeply humbling to be with you in your country today. The courage of the Ukrainian people is an inspiration to the world,” Sunak said.
“In years to come we’ll tell our grandchildren of your story, how proud and sovereign people stood up in the face of an appalling onslaught, how you fought, how you sacrificed, how you prevailed,” Sunak added.
Zelenskyy praised a “meaningful and useful visit for both our countries” during the joint news conference.
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